as in criminal
not restrained by or under the control of legal authority
some sociologists specialize in studying the lawbreaking elements of society
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in crime
a breaking of a moral or legal code
even something as simple as littering is considered an example of lawbreaking
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in criminality
activities that are in violation of the laws of the state
an outbreak of lawbreaking plagued the city in the months following the end of the war
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lawbreaking
Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 22 May 2026
These criminal employers profit from lawbreaking.
—CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
The sponsor of the employer crime bill said that lawbreaking was wrong and the bill is constitutional.
—Idaho Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026
Barack Obama pledged to look forward and not backwards, not only closing the door on prosecutions for executive lawbreaking but also failing to hold accountable those responsible for the 2008 financial crisis and the ensuing Great Recession.
—Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
While the governor’s benevolent instincts are laudable, leniency here would only invite more lawbreaking, and ultimately, more suffering — in Colorado and beyond.
—Max Potter, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026
But Bondi demanding compliance before any lawbreaking by protesters is the same thing for which her own FBI is investigating six members of Congress who called on our military not to obey unlawful orders.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
Rather than portraying Cracolândia’s inhabitants as violent, lawbreaking addicts, Som da Maloka captures their artistry as singers, musicians, and poets, with Escobar putting their talents on full display through local carnival parades organized by his Blocolândia initiative.
—Michaëla De Lacaze Mohrmann, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026
Chaffin said that even in June, while protests in Los Angeles had drawn thousands of people and were violent, those in Portland were smaller and any lawbreaking was managed by local police.
—Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Noun
In an effort to send a message to any minors planning to descend on the Jersey Shore for a weekend of lawbreaking and recklessness, Vaz is vowing to prosecute both the offending child and their parents.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 22 May 2026
These criminal employers profit from lawbreaking.
—CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
The sponsor of the employer crime bill said that lawbreaking was wrong and the bill is constitutional.
—Idaho Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026
Barack Obama pledged to look forward and not backwards, not only closing the door on prosecutions for executive lawbreaking but also failing to hold accountable those responsible for the 2008 financial crisis and the ensuing Great Recession.
—Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026
While the governor’s benevolent instincts are laudable, leniency here would only invite more lawbreaking, and ultimately, more suffering — in Colorado and beyond.
—Max Potter, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026
But Bondi demanding compliance before any lawbreaking by protesters is the same thing for which her own FBI is investigating six members of Congress who called on our military not to obey unlawful orders.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
Rather than portraying Cracolândia’s inhabitants as violent, lawbreaking addicts, Som da Maloka captures their artistry as singers, musicians, and poets, with Escobar putting their talents on full display through local carnival parades organized by his Blocolândia initiative.
—Michaëla De Lacaze Mohrmann, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026
Chaffin said that even in June, while protests in Los Angeles had drawn thousands of people and were violent, those in Portland were smaller and any lawbreaking was managed by local police.
—Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lawbreaking
Adjective
-
On the other side, De la Espriella has promised to fiercely crack down on criminal groups and build 10 megaprisons, following in a similar vein as El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele, in his war on gangs, which has been beset by abuses, according to findings by human rights groups.—
Megan Janetsky,
Los Angeles Times,
1 June 2026
-
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) previously said Roberts had a criminal history that included a narcotics possession offense.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
The crime spree occurred from May to December 2023.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
5 June 2026
-
Maxwell, Epstein's former girlfriend and associate, remains the only other person charged in connection with Epstein's crimes.—
James Hill,
ABC News,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
The agency is on the clock with its investigations, mandated by the state to complete accident investigations within six months, and, sources said, delays affect its ability to assess fines and determine criminality, and may have harmed families ability to receive restitution.—
Joe Rubin,
Sacbee.com,
6 May 2026
-
But the public image was always one of criminality rather than survival.—
Pablo Larios,
Artforum,
6 May 2026
Adjective
-
Louisville police say anything that goes into the air or explodes is illegal for average citizens.—
James Bruggers,
The Courier-Journal,
5 July 2017
-
Official fireworks shows took place over the city, and illegal pyrotechnics lit up the sky everywhere in between.—
Lisa Beebe,
Los Angeles Magazine,
5 July 2017
Noun
-
Barbara Goodman, the assistant administrator, stated that Awana—the behavioral health company run through Glory to God (GTG)—received a 30-day Medicaid termination notice in May without explanation, despite never being audited or receiving a violation.—
Morgan Rynor,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
-
Citing violations of the National Environmental Policy Act, Williams issued a preliminary injunction ordering the closure of Alligator Alcatraz within 60 days.—
Eric Schlosser,
The Atlantic,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
Your 8th House of Shared Resources shifts as the moody Moon moves there, opposing rebellious Uranus in your 2nd House of Resources.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
30 May 2026
-
In a culture obsessed with self-improvement, doing something badly and privately can feel almost rebellious.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
My youth was my downfall, my sin love, and the go-between a snowy day.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 May 2026
-
For pilgrims, Hajj, performed over five days, can be a deeply moving spiritual experience and a chance to seek God’s forgiveness and the erasure of past sins.—
Baraa Anwer,
Los Angeles Times,
26 May 2026
Adjective
-
The goal of all this havoc is not to destroy democracy, according to Vergara—though that might be a welcome side effect, to some—but to torpedo the rule of law and thereby protect illicit financial gains.—
Daniel Alarcón,
New Yorker,
4 June 2026
-
Barred from filming inside, the documentarians turned to activist inmates who documented incidents on illicit cellphones in an attempt to bring attention to the inhumane conditions.—
James Mercadante,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lawbreaking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lawbreaking. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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